TXDOT working to make improvements to Doniphan Drive

A well-traveled road in west El Paso may be getting some updates soon.

A 15-mile stretch of Doniphan Drive may soon have some improvements from the Texas/ New Mexico border to Racetrack Drive.

"This is a study," said Lauren Macias-Cervantes, Public Information Officer for TXDoT. "So, it's just, you know, there's not projects tied to this yet."

But, before the project is finalized, TXDoT is asking for the public’s help.

"They're on the specific roadways every day, it's important to give us their feedback and let us know what they think is needed," she said.

The Doniphan Corridor will include a median, a shared-use path, drainage improvements, a roundabout in Vinton, a “High-T” allowing thru traffic to proceed at Talbot Avenue, lane expansions, aesthetics, and continuous lighting.

TXDoT said plans for this project started in 2016 and will continue to 2040.

Folks who live and work along Doniphan Drive told us these improvements are needed.

“Everything is just really old and, you know, Canutillo is just an old small city, so it’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Anthony Hernandez, the manager of JD’s Burgers. “So, I mean, everything would be better if all of the road conditions were better.”

“It’ll be wonderful, because the area is growing so much, there’s a lot of new homes and we need improvements on our streets,” said El Paso resident Yuly Contreras.

Scott White with the Velo Paso Bicycle and Pedestian Coalition said the shared-use path should be a priority.

"Doniphan, right now, is not really safe for people who ride bicycles or walk," he said.

There’ll be another meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Canutillo High School.